Africa Experience

Jump onboard an exhilarating journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls and then onto Eastern Africa.

This trip delivers adventure and comfort in equal measures. Travel through these welcoming nations, past stunning scenery, tiny farming villages and modern cities abuzz with activity. Get a dose of wildlife action on exhilarating game drives; learn about local customs and traditions on community visits; spot prolific birdlife on lakes and in rivers; and spend each night relaxing over a tasty meal in comfort accommodation. From the thrill of being on safari to the genuine, real life moments interacting with locals, this Africa Experience showcases the very best of the continents culture, environment, history and traditions.

10% OFF All Trips*

Get 10% OFF all trips* departing between November 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018! Book by September 28th.

10% OFF All Trips*

Get 10% OFF all trips* departing between November 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018! Book by September 28th.

This offer is only available in CAD or USD.

10% discount is automatically applied to applicable trips.

The offer applies to bookings made between September 19-28, 2017 and is for trips departing between November 1, 2017 - March 31, 2018. Blackout dates are December 15, 2017 - January 15, 2018.

The offer is valid on all Intrepid trips, but excludes any external sell-ins, short breaks, expeditions, dragoman operated overland and Polar. See the 'Important Notes' section of our 'Trip Notes' or contact our sales staff if you are unsure if your desired trip is excluded.

The trip is subject to availability and confirmation by Intrepid Travel at time of booking.

A deposit of $400 USD/CAD is required at the time of booking.

Full payment is required at least 56 days prior to travel. If booking and traveling with less than 56 days to go until departure, full payment is needed at the time of booking.

There will be no extensions to the booking, travel or payment periods.

The offer can only be applied to new bookings. Under no circumstances will the discounts be applied to existing bookings.

The offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other offers.

Intrepid Travel's Booking Conditions will also apply to the trip booked and it is imperative that you examine those conditions before booking with Intrepid Travel. The most up-to-date Booking Conditions are accessible at http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions.

As outlined in the Intrepid Travel Booking Conditions, travel insurance is compulsory for all Intrepid Travel travelers and should be taken out prior to or at the time of booking. See the Booking Conditions for more details.

Trip prices and itineraries are subject to change at any time, including after booking. If there is a significant price change to a trip that is outside the control of Intrepid Travel (i.e. a significant increase in third party service provider costs), travelers may need to be re-invoiced at the new price. Promotions and discounts will still apply to the new price.

Be astounded by the vast array of wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater in open top 4x4 vehicles.

Try to spot a rare tree-climbing lion at Lake Manyara National Park.

Travel across the endless grasslands of the Serengeti searching for large herds of wildebeest and zebra.

Is this trip right for you?

This itinerary includes a half-day canoe adventure along the Orange River.

This itinerary includes 2 nights on a house boat at the Okavango Delta. Cabins are very small and basic with shared facilities.

We use our purpose-built overland vehicles for the duration of this trip. It is important to note that while our vehicles are not air-conditioned, all windows do open to allow for fresh air. But please be aware that road travel in Africa comes with its fair share of dust, so while curtains are fitted to minimize the sun shine, it can get hot and windy.

This itinerary features some long travel days which can be exacerbated by bumpy African roads.

Our overland safaris do not necessitate exceptional fitness levels, but a general level of physical movement is required. For example, you need to judge yourself physically fit enough to handle entering and exiting our vehicles several times a day and must be prepared for some long travel days.

Namibia summer ( Nov-Mar ) can be very hot and humid with maximum temperatures around 30-35°C and peaks of over 40°C in the desert.

Botswana temperatures rise in the hot dry period of September and October before the rains hit and temperatures can get as high as 34-38°C.

Botswana is a very seasonal destination. What you see and experience can differ quite dramatically depending on the time of year you visit. Please consider this before you choose your departure date. See the 'Climate and Seasonal' section for more details.

Gallery

Itinerary

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. For those with time here before the trip starts, highly recommended excursions include catching the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain, taking the ferry across to Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years), or the day trip down to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Peninsula.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities

Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike - ZAR720

Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable - ZAR250

Cape Town - Robben Island tour - ZAR260

Cape Town - South African Museum - ZAR27

Cape Town - District Six Museum - ZAR25

Cape Town - Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens - ZAR45

Cape Town - South Africa National Gallery - ZAR35

Cape Town - Harbour cruise - ZAR200

Cape Town - Bo-Kaap Museum - ZAR30

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel (note - we may not be able confirm request made within 15 days of travel). Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Depart Cape Town and travel along the west coast to the small seaside town of Lamberts Bay (265km approximately 4-5 hours). Its white beaches, lobsters and incredible wildlife earned this place the nickname ‘diamond of west coast’. It's also simply a quaint fishing town tucked into the western Cape Province, best explored by foot. You'll visit Cape Gannet Island today. At the right time of the year, you might be lucky enough to view the spectacular flocks of gannet, which make use of the spot for breeding in August and September. For birdwatchers, the colony at Lambert's Bay is the most accessible of the six gannet colonies in South Africa and Namibia. They are a spectacular sight in their tightly packed community, and it’s an awesome experience to see them wheel, land and settle into their designated positions. Sit down to a delicious feast at a local open-air restaurant, where the amazing ocean views are sure to dazzle.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Lamberts Bay - Cape Gannet Island

Meals Included

Farewell your coastal retreat as you cross the border into Namibia (500km approximately 7hrs). You should reach your destination on the banks of the Orange River by mid-afternoon. The border crossing and a few photo stops could delay this arrival a little. This is the longest river in South Africa, running from high up in the Drakensberg mountain range and on to the Atlantic Ocean. The river is significant for its role in transporting diamonds which in turn leaves deposits that are found along the Namibian coastline.

Accommodation

Lodge (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

Kick things off with a half-day canoe adventure along the Orange River today. You will wind through the ancient Richtersveld Mountains.
The canoe trip will be done in 2 man canoes with a local guide. It is a slow paced trip covering approximately 10km and we should be travelling down stream for most or all of the trip.
After you have returned to land you'll venture to the Fish River Canyon (200km approximately 5hrs), one of the biggest canyons in the world. Along the way you will stop at various lookouts, all great opportunities to catch this beautiful and gigantic gorge on camera. Look out for some exotic birdlife while you’re here: plovers, wagtails, hammerkops and herons. You might even catch a glimpse of a baboon or an antelope at dusk if you're lucky.

Accommodation

Lodge (1 night)

Included Activities

Fish River Canyon - Canyon entrance

Orange River - Canoe trip

Meals Included

Today is a long travel day. We head to the eastern edge of the Namib Desert today (610km approximately 9hrs). This region of the world's oldest desert is known for its array of geological features. Take in the diversity and sprawling beauty of the scenery as you drive to your lodgings for the night.

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 night)

Meals Included

Today you will make an early morning visit to Sossusvlei, which lies at the end of an ancient riverbed. If you find yourself in the mood, a climb to the top of Dune 45 will reward you with unparalleled views of the region.
After breakfast head to Dead Vlei. A clay pan well known for the iconic postcard like images taken here by many. The pan is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, "Big Daddy" or "Crazy Dune" average about 350m.
If you'd like to avoid a long walk in the sun you can opt to pay for a 4x4 transfer from the 2x2 car park out to the Dead Vlei entrance point. This will cost approximately 130NAD per person.
In the afternoon you will visit Sesriem Gorge, tranquil natural corridor you can walk through and explore. The canyon was caused by water erosion over thousands of years. The people who lived in the area used to pull buckets of water up from the depths with six knotted belts. Therefore, the canyon was named after the Afrikaans word “Sesriem” meaning “six belts”.

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 night)

Included Activities

Sesriem - Sesriem Canyon

Sossusvlei - Dune 45

Meals Included

Depart your desert lodge and travel across the Namib Desert today (280km, approximately 6hrs), a trip culminating in the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean coastline. The drive goes through a beautiful, diverse, colourful landscape. You'll see the awesome Kuiseb Canyon along the way, before arriving at the beachside town of Swakopmund, located on the Skeleton Coast.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Special Information

Your leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer. We have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended. If you are unsure please check with your leader.
Please note that it is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.

Enjoy some free time in this pretty coastal spot. Your accommodation is within walking distance of town. Perhaps go for a stroll along the beach, explore the open-air markets or visit the local museum. The Namibian National Marine Aquarium is also a good choice. There are plenty of options on offer at the local activity centre, which your leader will take you to.

Notes: We have not risk-assessed all activities, and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended. If you are unsure about anything, please check with your local guide. Please note that it is against company policy for leaders or guides to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk-assessed or do not adhere to our Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Swakopmund - Horse riding - USD65

Swakopmund - Swakopmund Museum - USD2

Swakopmund - Fishing trip - USD120

Swakopmund - Sand boarding - USD50

Swakopmund - Seal and dolphin cruise - USD60

Swakopmund - Quad Bike Trip (2 hours) - USD80

Meals Included

Get off the beaten track and head into the heart of Damaraland (330km approximately 6hrs). You should arrive at your lodge this afternoon.
The ancient landscapes of the Kunene Region are ruggedly spectacular, awesome sunsets and night skies filled with a multitude of dazzling stars await you. This part of Namibia is also known as Damaraland, as it is the ancestral home land of the enigmatic Damara people whose exact origins remain unclear. Also home to the small population of hardy desert adapted elephant as well as a host of other unique flora and fauna.

Accommodation

Lodge (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

Many of the roads we travel on today will be untarred and often corrogated. They are some of the worst on this itinerary so be prepared from some extra bumps.

Spend the morning visiting the surrounding sights such as Twyfelfontein Heritage Site and the Petrified Forest. Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engraving in southern Africa and is a fascinating insight into the past. The Petrified Forest looks back into nature’s history, where 280 million-year-old fossilised tree trunks lie.

We will be accompanied by local guides at both the Petrified forest and the Twyfelfontein sites. The guided walks take between 30-60mins and although not difficult there are some steep rocks and hills at the Twyfelfontein site. It can get hot at this time of day so be sure to have a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water with you.

Daytime temperatures often peak around 30°C here, so sightseeing is best completed as early as possible, before the thermometer climbs too high. Spend the remainder of the day back at the lodge, perhaps by the pool or relaxing in the shade.

Accommodation

Lodge (1 night)

Included Activities

Damaraland - Petrified Forest

Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Bushman Paintings

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

Many of the roads we travel on today will be untarred and often corrogated. They are some of the worst on this itinerary so be prepared from some extra bumps.

Depart our lodge this morning and head towards Etosha National Park (220km approximately 5hrs). Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, so there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores here.
We head out on a short afternoon Game Drive in our truck on arrival.

Accommodation

Lodge (1 night)

Included Activities

Etosha National Park - Game drives

Meals Included

Keep your eyes peeled for desert elephants, which you might be lucky enough to come across, depending on the season. There's also the black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik, all of which you have the chance to spot during game drives. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is hard to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to allow for some sightings.

Head back to the lodge this evening. You might like to finish up the day by taking a refreshing dip in the pool, or enjoying a drink with your fellow travellers to reflect on the day's adventure.

Accommodation

Lodge (1 night)

Included Activities

Etosha National Park - Game drives

Meals Included

From Etosha National Park you will head to Windhoek, an old German colonial town, now a cosmopolitan centre. The Germanic colonial architecture of this city contributes to its charming feel. You'll arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. The old German colonial town of Windhoek has been blended into a modern city. The German architecture of the older buildings lends the town a historic atmosphere. Good examples of this German architecture can be seen in a number of buildings, but the best are the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), the Christuskirche (church), the gymnasium and the Genossenschaftshaus. This evening you may wish to join new members of the group for an optional welcome dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Special Information

As this is a combination trip the composition of your group may change at this location.

Cross the border into Botswana and travel to Ghanzi, known as the "Capital of the Kalahari" (560km approximately 8hrs).

Accommodation tonight is at a lodge just outside the small cattle ranching town of Ghanzi and a bit more basic than what you will encounter throughout your journey, however the concept and experience of will be well worth it. The lodge is situated in the Kalahari region of Botswana that is inhabited by a large portion of Botswanas’ San/Bushman community. Unemployment is one of the main social issues that affect the San community, who have become an increasingly marginalized minority is Southern Africa . The lodge helps empower the community through employment. There is an impressive concentration of bird life here and you may wish to go for an optional walk before dinner to stretch your legs after the long driving day. A traditional San/Southern African meal will be served in the communal lounge and dining area. There is also an bar with wine, beer and soft drinks available to buy.

Later this evening we will be treated to a real cultural experience and interaction with the local Bushmen. Around the campfire, you will experience the ancient dance rituals of the San/Bushman. On special occasions this could be a healing or trance dance, which can continue all night, and is an intense spiritual experience for both participants and visitors alike.

Accommodation

Lodge (1 night)

Included Activities

Central Kalahari - San Cultural Experience

Meals Included

Head to the Okavango Delta (400km approximately 7hrs), where we board speedboats that will take us to your home for the next two nights, a houseboat in the middle of the Okavango Delta. Please note you will need to pack a small bag or backpack for this trip as we won't be taking all of our luggage with us.

Your floating home for the next 2 nights is the most incredibly peaceful way to experience the delta. The houseboat has twin-share cabins with bedding, towels and mosquito nets provided (no single supplement is available on these nights). Cabins are very small and basic but we don't expect you'll be spending much time in there. There is also a dining area on the deck, tea/coffee making facilities and a small collection of books and board games.

This evening head to the deck where your captain will serve dinner, enjoy a sundowner, and listen to the sound of the Hippos along the waters edge.

Please note that on occasions our houseboat won't be available due to regular servicing and maintenance requirements. If this occurs the program will be replaced with alternate land arrangements.

Accommodation

Houseboat (1 night)

Included Activities

Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise

Meals Included

After breakfast we take a speedboat and 4x4 to a nearby poling station. From here you have the opportunity to experience the myriad waterways in traditional dugout canoes (mokoros) with a local guide. Your guide will take you on a nature walk around one of the many Islands in the Delta.
After a picnic lunch, return to the houseboat where you're free to relax, read a book or do some fishing. This evening grab a sundowner, pull up a chair and witness the often breathtaking sunset.

Accommodation

Houseboat (1 night)

Included Activities

Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise

Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari

Okavango Delta - Nature Walk

Meals Included

After breakfast, we leave our houseboat behind, and again board the speedboats to take us back to our truck, and then on towards Maun - the gateway of the Okavango Delta (350km approximately 6hrs).
For those wanting more adventure, there's an opportunity to fly over the delta in a small plane for a bird's-eye view - a great way to appreciate the immensity of this watery world. Your leader can give you more information on this activity and how to book.
Otherwise the afternoon is free to sit by the pool, catch up on emails and laundry.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise

Optional Activities

Okavango Delta - Plane Scenic Flight - From USD75 - USD390

Meals Included

We depart from our lodge after breakfast and head towards north-east Botswana (210km approximately 4hrs). Our next stop is the Makgadikgadi Pans; a large salt pan situation in the middle of the dry savanna is located. This pan is now all that remains of the former Lake Makgadikgadi.
Our accommodation tonight is located on the edge of the pans. Sit by the pool or relax in the lounge area and take in your surroundings after a long day.
Head out to the Makgadikgadi Pans for an afternoon excursion in open 4x4's to one of the largest salt flats in the world. Here you’ll sit out in the wild enjoy sundowners and snacks while observing the amazing scenery. With the aid of trackers you may have the opportunity to spend some time in the company of the local meerkat colony, and look out for elephants that meander their way down to the watering hole to quench their thirst. Soak in this incredible place while the sun sets behind the old beautiful baobab.

This morning we make tracks after breakfast and travel towards Kasane on the edge of Chobe National Park (410km approximately 7hrs).
The stretch of road between Nata and Kasane is known as the 'Elephant Highway'. With no fences elephants are free to move between Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Botswana. So keep your eyes peeled for roadside elephants.
Botswana's first national park, Chobe, is perhaps best known for its high concentration of elephants. You will spend the next two nights in a lodge near the Chobe River.

Accommodation

Meals Included

This morning we wake early and take a dawn game drive in Chobe National Park, where you may see elephants drinking at the waters' edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impala within the park.

In the afternoon you’ll take a breathtaking cruise on the Chobe River, ideal for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters as well as hippos, crocodiles and large families of elephants. The boat trip will be a shared activity with other travellers. The boats used are large, usually with an upper and lower deck, bathroom facilities and a small bar so you can purchase a sundowner and watch the sunset over the river.

Accommodation

Lodge (1 night)

Meals Included

Travel on to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi (100km approximately 2hrs depending on border formalities). These falls are one of the natural wonders of the world and, when in full flow, form the largest sheet of falling water.

Your leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer. We have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.

A unique dinner at Boma restaurant is included, which specialises in Zimbabwean barbecue, is the perfect way to spend your evening.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Victoria Falls - Entrance

Victoria Falls - The Boma Dinner & Experience

Meals Included

Breakfast

Dinner

Special Information

You may notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We ask all Intrepid travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions.

Read more about animal welfare and our ‘Born to Live Wild’ pledge here:
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/animal-welfare

Say goodbye to your fellow travellers who are ending their trip in Victoria Falls then take your transfers to the airport. Today you fly to Johannesburg and spend a night here on the way to Nairobi. You will be unescorted during this portion of the tour. You can expect to arrive at the Peermont Metcourt Hotel Johannesburg by mid-afternoon. On arrival please make your way to the shuttle terminus located in the Parkade building, between the domestic & international terminals. If you are unsure on where to go please ask for directions at the Information Desk located within the arrivals area. At the shuttle terminus please wait for the black and gold Emperors Palace bus at the terminus. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes. Tell the driver you are staying at Peermont Metcourt. Peermont Metcourt is one of many hotels located within the Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention Resort, which is conveniently situated alongside OR Tambo International Airport. There are a number of facilities within the resort such as restaurants, entertainment and retail shops so you won’t need to venture out of the resort to have dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

This morning you will take the courtesy airport shuttle from your hotel to Johannesburg International Airport, for your flight to Nairobi. The shuttle service departs from the hotel at 20 minute intervals. On arrival in Nairobi, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel by our Intrepid representative. You may wish to speak to our representative regarding any additional tours or activities that you might wish to do while you’re in Nairobi. There will be a trip briefing at the hotel at approximately 6.00pm this evening. The rest of the day is spent at your leisure.

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, was established at the turn of the 20th century by Europeans as a stores depot during the construction of the East African Railway. Without plan or design, it established itself as the capital of the British protectorate, and today has a population of around three million.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities

Nairobi - National Museum - USD10

Nairobi - Karen Blixen museum - USD14

Nairobi - Bomas of Kenya - USD12

Nairobi - Langata Giraffe Sanctuary - KES1200

Nairobi - Carnivore Restaurant - KES3600

Nairobi - National Park safari walk - USD30

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet your new fellow travellers.

Depart Nairobi and head north-west towards Lake Nakuru National Park (approximately 4 hours), arriving in time for lunch. Afterwards climb into our truck for an afternoon game drive and watch as hundreds of pink flamingos converge on Lake Nakuru, all under the watchful eye of nearby rhinos and zebras. Lake Nakuru is a soda lake which is home to massive numbers of flamingos - up to two million on occasion - and thousands of other birds. It has been described as the world's greatest ornithological spectacle and, at times, the lake is literally a sea of pink. There is quite a good chance of seeing white rhinos, whilst black rhinos may prove to be more elusive. After spending the day in the park, we return to our private lodge. Perched on natural cliffs skirted with giant fig trees, the lodge grounds are home to numerous reptiles species, rock hyraxes and birds.

Accommodation

Permanent tented camp (1 night)

Included Activities

Lake Nakuru - Game Drive

Meals Included

Enjoy a scenic drive across Kenya, travelling south along a road sandwiched between two impressive natural reserves, to Lake Naivasha (approximately 3 hrs). One of the few freshwater lakes in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is bordered with flat-topped acacias and has floating islands of papyrus reeds. It's also home to a healthy population of hippos and a tremendous variety of birds. There is an option to venture out on a boat ride through the crater lake.

Accommodation

Lodge (1 night)

Optional Activities

Lake Naivasha - Boat trip - KES4000

Lake Nakuru - Village walk - KES20

Meals Included

Today is free to explore at your leisure. See all that this vast lake has to offer on a waterside bike ride or opt for time on the water instead and head out on a boat trip. If hiking is more to your tastes then there are two spectacular walks to consider – the first through the leafy hills and mountains of the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, and the second to Hell's Gate National Park. Hell's Gate is a dry trail compared to the Crater Lake path, winding its way along scenic paths through narrow cliff breaks, and is home to rare bearded vultures. Return to the Camp at Lake Naivasha.

Accommodation

Lodge (1 night)

Optional Activities

Lake Naivasha - Hell's Gate National Park - USD40

Lake Naivasha - Boat trip - KES4000

Lake Elementaita - Elsamere Conservation Centre - KES1250

Meals Included

We head south-west to our next destination, the Masai Mara - arguably one of the finest game reserves in Africa (300kms, approx 8-9hrs). The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands, and amongst the many species of game, we may be lucky to observe black-maned lion, leopard and cheetah. These predators find an abundant food supply in the massive herds of wildebeest, zebra, Thomson's and Grant's gazelle that roam the grasslands.

On the way pass by the remote region of Loita Hills, home of the traditional Maasai people. Here you will make a stop to visit the Maasai, known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewellery, and gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African Community. Meet your Maasai hosts and enjoy a fascinating talk, full of insights into this remarkable and ancient culture, from a local elder. Enjoy being shown around a traditional Maasai home and their cattle enclosures.

Afterwards we make way to our permanent tented camp. The camp is situated within the Masai Mara Eco-system and on the banks of Ololaimutia River. If you're lucky you will find Elephants, buffalos, and antelop stopping by for a drink.

Meals Included

Special Information

Today we wake before dawn to start our morning game drive when the sun comes up, one of the times of the day when most animals tend to be more active. After what is hopefully an exciting morning's drive we return to camp for lunch and to relax during the heat of the day. We set off again in the afternoon and expect to return to camp around sunset. However, depending on wildlife movements, we may on occasion do a full day's game drive and in this instance we'll stop en-route for a picnic lunch.

Accommodation

Permanent tented camp (1 night)

Included Activities

Masai Mara National Reserve - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive

Masai Mara National Reserve - Morning 4x4 Game Drive

Meals Included

If you missed out on seeing one of the Big 5 (lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinoceros) yesterday, never fear! This morning is free to head out on an optional 4x4 game drive, a safari balloon ride or to just relax before the included afternoon game drive. Each day on the reserve is a shifting narrative, with new encounters and stories to be found as you cruise across the plains.

An optional balloon ride over the Masai Mara at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. If you have pre-booked this activity (please see 'Important Notes') you will be picked up and driven to the launch site, receive a safety briefing from your pilot and help inflate the balloon. You then glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, providing amazing wildlife photography opportunities; sometimes ascending to get an overview of the enormity of the Masai Mara plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. Upon landing you'll be treated to a bush breakfast before being returned to your vehicle. Please note if you are taking a balloon ride over the Mara you will be taken to the launch place from our camp before dawn and returned to the group when you have finished your ride.

Please note that we offer this activity as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a spot in a balloon. If you choose to wait and book this activity locally on the ground you may get a better price. However this is a popular activity and places are limited. It is at your own discretion if you wish to pre-book this service with us or try and book it locally while you are on your trip.

Meals Included

Special Information

This morning we will visit the village of Tengeru. Walk through the narrow village roads and chat with the locals about their ever day lives. You will hear all about their crops and watch them being farmed. You may even get the opportunity to roast and grind your own coffee.

After lunch we head off on a three-hour drive through the village of Mto Wa Mbu and before you climb up part of the Great Rift Valley to your lodge.
Keep an eye out for spectacular views of Mt Meru as you leave Arusha and head towards Lake Manyara.

Game Drive enroute to our permanent Tented Camp which is tucked away in a quiet corner of acacia forest. Permanent tents are raised on platforms, all with en-suite bathrooms and a private veranda overlooking the lush forest.
All the tents are discretely placed around a central glade, offering shade and privacy, but still only a short walk to the restaurant and bar.

Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its black-maned, tree-climbing lions and large herds of buffaloes and elephants, not to mention the flocks of flamingos and pelicans that can be found on the shores of the lake itself.

Accommodation

Permanent tented camp (1 night)

Included Activities

Lake Manyara - Game drive

Tengeru - Local family farm visit and community walk

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

Our campsite is powered by generators and you will be able to charge cameras and batteries both in your tent and in the common areas.

You will depart Lake Manyara for the wide open plains of the Serengeti. To reach the Serengeti you must travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, skirting the Ngorongoro Crater before entering into the Serengeti.

You will spend the afternoon on a game drive covering the more southern regions of the Serengeti before reaching your camp site for the evening.

Your tented camp for the next 2 nights is set against a backdrop of savannah and skies. Traditional Meru tents, each under thatch have ensuites, and private verandahs overlooking the impressive plains of the Serengeti.

The central restaurant and bar area boast a large camp fire – an ideal spot to unwind with a chilled drink after a long days of exciting game viewing. The Camp is ideally situated at the border of the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, along the path of the migrating wildebeests between Kenya and Tanzania.

Accommodation

Permanent tented camp (1 night)

Included Activities

Serengeti National Park - Game drive

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

The tented camp runs on generator and there will be charging opportunities over the next 2 days.

The seemingly endless Serengeti Plains capture the essence of Africa. They are home to massive numbers of grazing animals and also various predators, and the interaction between the many species often provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world.

Today you will start around sunrise for a morning game drive and follow that up later on with an afternoon game drive, as the animals tend to be more active in the cooler hours of the day. You will usually return to camp during the hotter hours in the middle of the day, where you will enjoy a hearty meal, relax and maybe take a siesta.

Depending on wildlife movements and opportunities for sightings, the drive may continue through lunch and last all day. In this case, you will return to camp in the late afternoon.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Meals Included

This morning you will have time to further explore the Serengeti and perhaps visit Simba Kopjes, an outcrop of rocks favoured by lion and cheetah, who can often be seen basking in the morning sun.

You will spend your time game viewing and will stop for a picnic lunch on the drive from Serengeti National Park back toward the Ngorongoro Conservation area.

Accommodation for the next 2 nights is in a small eco-friendly tented camp located on a highland coffee plantation at an altitude of 1800m, directly bordering the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.
Tents are set on raised platforms and offer some magnificent views over the surrounding hills and coffee plantations. Enjoy a sundowner from your veranda, watch wildlife like elephants roaming through the dense forest, and hear the lions roar in the distance.

Accommodation

Permanent tented camp (1 night)

Included Activities

Serengeti National Park - Game drive

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

This tented camp is powered by generators so you will also have the chance to charge your cameras, laptops and phones.

Today you will explore the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, widely regarded as a microcosm of natural habitats in Africa and often touted as a veritable Garden of Eden. Within this crater lies every type of ecosystem, including riverine forests, open plains, freshwater and alkaline lakes.

Ngorongoro Crater is the remnants of an ancient volcano caldera, and within its 300 square kilometres is a remarkable concentration of wildlife. The scenery is spectacular as you descend almost 600 metres down to the crater floor. There is every chance that you will see a considerable variety of wildlife in this compact area, including the highly endangered black rhinoceros.

In the afternoon you will leave the crater and return to camp for a second night. (National park regulations stipulate that vehicles are only allowed a maximum of six hours in Ngorongoro Crater.) The late afternoon can be spent relaxing at the camp, soaking up the wonderful scenery.

Accommodation

Farmstay (1 night)

Included Activities

Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive

Meals Included

Head to Tarangire National Park passing through Mto Wa Mbu before reaching - your final Tanzanian national park.

Tarangire National Park lies to the south of the Masailands and is defined by large open savannahs dotted with acacia woodland and large baobab trees. With the presence of the Tarangire River, this park forms a refuge during the dry season for many migratory animals, ensuring that Tarangire's wildlife concentration is second only to that of Ngorongoro Crater.

At Tarangire you will enjoy an afternoon game drive en route to your tented camp set in a typical African thorn-tree bush landscape, right next to the Kwakuchinja Wildlife Corridor. The corridor is used by the animals to migrate from Tarangire to Lake Manyara in search of water and grasses. During the migration periods, you may be lucky enough to witness the migration of zebras, wildebeest and elephants right from the veranda of your tent.
Canvas tents with permanent thatched ramadas have ensuite bathrooms with each shower being fed by 15L tank filled manually by lodge staff. This is the real African bush experience!

Next trip departures

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip. Please note the single supplement does not apply to the nights spent on the House Boat (2 nights) and in Ghanzi (1 night). Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. An arrival transfer is included. Please advise flight details at time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel.
3. This is a combination trip made up of 4 shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Windhoek, Victoria Falls, Nairobi and Arusha as some group members leave and new ones join you.
4. Optional sunrise balloon rides in the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara are possible on this itinerary. Please see the itinerary for full details of this activity. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited and we recommend you book in advance through your sales agent.
5. This trip finishes after lunch in Arusha on Day 37. Please do not book any flights out of JRO International Airport until after 5pm this afternoon. A departure transfer can be booked for an additional cost.

Essential trip information

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